Matches for "Ohio Sire Stakes"

Columbus, OH --- The Ohio State Racing Commission announces the appointment of Kimberly A. Rinker as Administrator of the Ohio Standardbred Development Fund, effective immediately.
Rinker, a Springfield, Ohio native, Ohio State University graduate (B.A. Journalism) and racing journalist and Standardbred trainer, will develop and implement policies and procedures for the Ohio Standardbred Development Fund and the Ohio Sire Stakes programs.
Rinker will also serve as a liaison between the media and the OSRC, and work to promote the agency and the state's racing programs in a positive and innovative fashion via an updated website and through social media platforms. She will assist in the licensing of participants at the Ohio County Fairs, and will be visiting and inspecting the state's Thoroughbred and Standardbred breeding farms.
In addition, Rinker will assist the Thoroughbred Race Fund with marketing and promotion of the fund and its races.
Rinker has a 35-year involvement in the sport of harness racing as a writer, publicist and author. She served on the publicity staffs of Sportsman's Park, Scioto Downs, Maywood Park, Balmoral Park, and The Meadowlands, and has written for some of racing's top periodicals including Hoof Beats, Sports Eye, The Daily Racing Form, Harness Edge, Illinois Racing News, Midwest Thoroughbredand The Horseman & Fair World. She is the author of eight books, including Chicago's Horse Racing Venues and An Adventure Guide to Switzerland.
Rinker has also been involved as a trainer-driver, competing mostly on the Chicago circuit, and in 1995 represented the United States in the International Drivers Championship in Moscow, Russia as the lone female vying against 15 male rivals from various countries.
She has covered the sport in Australia, New Zealand, France, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany and Italy.
by Marty Evans, for the Ohio State Racing Commission

LEBANON, OH. - Igotafeelinfran, the lone Buckeye-bred mare in the field, used a perfect pocket trip coupled with cooperative weather and the fastest harness racing surface in awhile to win the $15,500 Open Mares Pace at Miami Valley Raceway on Friday night in 1:52.4.
It was just the second 2015 start for the reigning Ohio Sire Stakes older distaff champion, so driver Dan Noble was content to allow longshot All Terror (Kayne Kauffman) to cut the remaining fractions after pushing her to a speedy :27.3 opening panel. Following middle splits of :57 and 1:25 the leading pair separated themselves from the rest and staged an epic stretch duel with the winner nosing out the pacesetter following a :27.4 closing quarter. Stucklikeglue (Greg Grismore) closed well to grab the show spot after a second-over journey.
The five-year-old daughter of Feelin Friskie now has 18 wins on her impressive resume in addition to 22 other place and show finishes from just 51 lifetime races. Jerry Zosel and Kathy Ratcliff bred Igotafeelinfran and have since added Kimberly Dailey, wife of trainer Jim Dailey, as a partner on the career winner of $381,746.
A race earlier, in the $11,000 top conditioned pace for mares, Betterluvnexttime (Josh Sutton) tied the 1:52.1 track record for older female pacers, established during Miami Valley's inaugural season in 2014 by Holiday Shopper. The seven-year-old American Ideal mare, owned by Daniel Mitchell and trained by Virgil Morgan Jr., just edged Carlina Hanover (Kayne Kauffman) with Multiple Sources (Greg Grismore) garnering the show dough. Betterluvnexttime is closing in on a half million dollars in lifetime earnings, the result of 39 victories from just 95 career starts.
Gregg Keidel

DAYTON, OH. - The best older Ohio-sired harness racing mares converged on Hollywood Dayton Raceway on Friday night to contest a pair of $50,000 state championship races, one for each gait.
Favorites captured each division as world champion Victory Is Coming (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) won the distaff trot; and Igotafeelinfran (Dan Noble) proved best in the pace.
Victory Is Coming, who established a world record on August 22 with a 1:51 triumph against open company at Scioto Downs, left alertly from an outside post position for Wrenn, despite the fact she has been racing from off the pace in her recent starts.
The seven-year-old daughter of Victory Sam cleared to the lead just before the :27.2 opening panel then eased up on the throttle through a middle half-mile in :59 seconds. She then cruised home in 1:55.4, despite strong headwinds in the stretch, for an easy three-length win.
Easy Strength (Josh Sutton) raced gamely to finish second with Jesse's Messenger (Dan Noble) garnering the show dough. Victory Is Coming now has 48 career victories and has earned $546,365 for owners John and Betty Shaw. Ammon Hershberger has trained the classy lass over the past couple years.
Igotafeelinfran, who prepped with a pair of impressive wins in Dayton Raceway's first two Fillies & Mares Opens, ran her local win streak to three with a 1:55 tally over Crosswind Colleen (Jason Brewer) and So Jazzy (Chris Page). Noble was content to sit fourth with the odds-on favorite until the :56.3 halfway station, then launched a first-over bid through the third quarter reached in 1:25.1.
Once clear of pacesetter So Jazzy, Igotafeelinfran got a scare from Crosswind Colleen who was on even terms with the winner before breaking stride briefly in mid-stretch. Trainer Jim Dailey's wife Kimberly owns the four-year-old Feelin Friskie mare in partnership with Jerry Zosel and Kathy Ratcliff. She has 17 wins and $369,871 in earnings in her first three years of racing.
Hollywood Dayton Raceway will present another pair of $50,000 Ohio Sires Stakes championship races for older male pacers and trotters on Saturday night. First race post time is 6:35 with the finals slated as races 6 and 10 on the 14-race program.
From the press box at Dayton Racway

DAYTON, OH. - The fields are set and anticipation is mounting for a quartet of $50,000 Ohio Sires Stakes championship races to be contested at Hollywood Dayton Raceway this coming weekend. The divisions for four-year-old and up mares, on both the pace and trot, will be staged Friday with their male counterparts set to do battle for Buckeye supremacy on Saturday. Post time for both programs is 6:35 p.m.
Seven trotting mares will square off in the eighth race at Dayton on Friday with Victory Is Coming (Ronnie Wrenn Jr.) listed as a 2-1 morning line favorite despite drawing the outermost post position. A winner of $88,130 in 2014, the seven-year-old daughter of Victory Sam figures to get the stiffest competition from Jesse's Messenger (Ryan Stahl) and Easy Strength (Josh Sutton).
Two races later Igottafeelinfran (Dan Noble) will be the likely betting favorite with Crosswind Colleen (Jason Brewer) and So Jazzy (Chris Page) the next two choices on the morning line. With $92,750 banked this season, Igotafeelinfran is the richest Ohio-bred mare in the talented eight-horse field.
Nine of the best older Ohio-sired male trotters will kick off the sires stakes action on Saturday in the sixth race. Count Me In (Mike Wilder) is the 2-1 early choice on the merits of a track record 1:55.1 win in an elimination heat last Saturday. With $55,368 in seasonal earnings, Count Me In isn't the richest horse in the race but appears to be in the sharpest current form. Others sure to have a say in the final outcome are Final Breath (Hugh Beatty) and Its Jesse Time (Chris Page), who won the other elimination heat.
There is no doubt that Dancin Yankee (Tyler Buter) will get overwhelming support from the betting public off his 1:51 track record performance in his elimination, plus the fact he has fared well against many of the top free-for-allers on the continent all summer long. He has earned $484,140 of his lifetime $1,069,962 bankroll in 2014 and will be coupled in the wagering as a 2-5 morning line choice with That Friske Feelin as Richard Lombardo has an ownership position in both horses. Lonesome Attack (Josh Sutton), the other elimination winner, and Outdoor Fever (Kayne Kauffman) could also loom large in the race.
All horses for the four O.S.S. championship races must be in their paddock stalls a minimum of six hours prior to post time for their races, in accordance with published conditions.
From the press box at Dayton Raceway

On Saturday, July 19 Northfield Park will host nine $40,000 divisions of Ohio Sires Stake racing action as part of the 15-race program. These nine races will feature the Buckeye State's best freshmen and sophomore colt pacers and trotters and will support the $150,000 Battle of Lake Erie undercard.
Freshman colt trotters will start Saturday's stake action in Race 1 for the $40,000 first division. Crowned With Glory (His Highness-Hey Kelsi-Humorous Harry) is the 3-1 slight morning-line favorite for Findlay, Ohio owners EG Trot, JB Arnold, MH Mallet and JE Paul. Ed Greeno Jr. is the filly's trainer and driver.
Crowned With Glory makes her fourth lifetime start. She has two previous wins, at Scioto Downs and Ottawa Fair, and a place at Oak Harbor. Those finishes have yielded $23,705 and a lifetime mark of 2:03 (ScD 5/8). Crowned With Glory will start from post two. Also competing in the first division will be Ohio Chipster, Neely Dunn Super, Frisk The Town, Cooter Dunn and Marvelous Chip.
Race 2 will be the $40,000 first division for three year-old colt Ohio-bred pacers. Trainer Doug Hinklin will start Big Bossman (Feelin Friskie-Lovely American-Matt's Scooter) as the 2-1 morning-line favorite. Big Bossman starts from post five and faces five rivals. Big Bossman has won six of 13 races.
He has earnings of $93,193 and sports a lifetime mark of 1:53.1 (ScD 5/8). Greg Grismore is scheduled to drive for owner Parent Racing Stable LLC of Holland, Ohio. Feelin Speedy, Friskie AJ, Dibs, UF Fast Feelin and Lawyer Up complete the line-up.
Trotters return to the stage in Race 3 for the $40,000 second division Ohio Sire Stakes for two year-old. I Know My Chip (Deep Chip-Madeline's Crown-Pegasus Spur) is the 5-2 morning-line favorite for owner Kimberly Dailey of Mechanicsburg, Ohio. Jim Dailey trains the undefeated colt. He has two wins in as many starts, earning $22,916 and earning a 2:02 (ScD 5/8) mark. Driver Jason Brewer will start the trotter from post-seven in a field that consists of My Friend Jim, Star Shef, Neely's Messenger, Lantern Chip, BK's Magic Man and Chips Starr.
Freshman Trotters again compete in Race 5 for the $40,000 third division of the Ohio Sires Stakes. Kick A Lot (Deep Chip-Mac's Dream-BJ's Mac) starts from post-two and is the 2-1 morning-line favorite. He is owned by Pius Soehnlen of Canton, Ohio. Trainer, Jeff Cox has calls upon Kurt Sugg to drive. This gelding has a win and a second in two lifetime starts. He has earned $21,875 and a 2:01.2 (ScD 5/8) lifetime mark. Kick A Lot has a host of rivals consisting of Mischievous Chip, Super Sheff Frosty, Chips A Million, Really Deep Chip, Guns For Fun and Birthday Chip.
Race six will host the $40,000 second division OSS for three year-old colt pacers. Friskie Adam (Feelin Friskie-Lottery Fever-Falcon Almahurst) is the heavy 7-5 morning-line favorite for owner Dr. Jerry Maloon Stable of Dublin, Ohio. Dan Ater trains the colt and uses Kyle Ater to drive. This sophomore is undefeated in five starts this year. He has career earnings of $122,971 and mark of 1:52.4 (ScD 5/8). Friskie Adam starts from the rail in a field consisting of Chance I Might, Diamondkeeper, Hawks Cry Hoboken, Feel The Heat, Player's King and Upfront Clays Boy.
Race 7 is the $40,000 first division for freshman pacers. Cornerback (Feelin Friskie-Cornerstand-Stand Forever) is the 2-1 morning-line favorite for owner Stephen Sexton of Xenia, Ohio. Brian Brown is the gelding's trainer and calls upon Chris Page to drive. Cornerback has one start under his belt, a win at Scioto Downs in 1:56.4 in a $40,000 OSS event. Cornerback will start from post three. Also competing in the first division will be Indian Spirit, Latenight Trick, Fire Valley, Knight Stryker, Nobles Finesse, Warrior Spirit, Western Coby and All Aces Osborne.
Freshman pacers return in the eighth race for the $40,000 second division OSS. Trainer Ron Burke sends out Gray Camo (Pine Valley-CG's Gem-Shady Character) as the heavy 7-5 morning-line favorite. Gray Camo starts from post five and faces five eight. He is undefeated in two starts, earning $23,750 and earning a 1:56.1 (ScD 5/8) career mark. Chris Page is scheduled to drive for owners Burke Racing Stable, Weaver Bruscemi, R Suda and J Melillo. Born Villain, RC Friskie, Ranger Returns, Big Bang Cam, Lynyrd, Nashville Bound, Ollie Pop and UF Kellies Awinner complete the eighth race line-up.
Buckeye-bred sophomore trotters take to the stage in the evening's ninth race for the $40,000 OSS first division. Soul Train (Trainforthefuture-Dances On Air-Muscles Yankee) is the 3-1 slight morning-line favorite for owners Parent Racing Stable of Holland, Ohio, RS Crynick of Strongsville, Ohio and JE Novak of Olmstead Township, Ohio. Scott Cox calls upon Chris Page to pilot this gelding who has six wins in 17 starts, trotting in 1:57.2 (ScD 5/8) and earning $121,787. Soul Train starts from post-8 in a field that consists of Noah Count, Stanley Begonia, Neely's Boy, Mainstreet Willy, Master Mighty, Star Chip and Happy Go Jamie.
Race 11, the final OSS event of the evening, is the $40,000 second division for sophomore trotters. Rompaway Galaxy (Rompaway Wally-Rompaway Wynona-Mr Vic) starts from post-three and is the 8-5 morning-line favorite. He is owned by Rompaway Farms LLC of Battle Creek, Michigan. Trainer Krista Harmon has listed Mike Micallef to drive. This gelding has nine wins in 11 lifetime starts, earning $201,550 and posting a best 1:55.4 (ScD 5/8). Rompaway Galaxy has a host of rivals consisting of Miko Begonia, Lady's Dude, Ohwhatacount, Can'tcutthatchip, Hooray For Willie, Fridayscomin and Bradymeister.
In addition to superior racing action, Battle night will also offer guests a sumptuous buffet in Lady Luck's clubhouse dining room. The special priced buffet is just $15.95. Reservations are preferred and can be made by calling 330-467-4101.
Guests who want to be down close to all of the racing action can stop by the grandstand apron to sample several of northeast Ohio's most popular food trucks. Live music by Unknown Reason will be part of the apron scene from 5-10 p.m.
by Ayers Ratliff, for Northfield Park

On Thursday, July 3 Northfield Park will host six divisions of Ohio Sires Stake racing action as part of the 15-race program. This will be the first leg of the Sires Stakes for the freshman fillies. The stakes action will help to highlight "Back to the Track."
The United States Trotting Association has coordinated "Back to the Track" with racetracks across the United States to make it a national event. "Back to the Track" is designed to promote harness racing and encourage occasional or former race fans to come "Back to the Track" for an exciting night of entertainment.
Freshman filly pacers will start Thursday's stake action in Race 1 for the $40,000 first division. Finefeelinfriskie (Feelin Friskie-Lady Shuffle-Cam's Card Shark) is the 7-5 morning-line favorite for owners CT Howard of Hilliard, Ohio, Herres Stables of Bellbrook, Ohio, GS Tucker of Quebec, Canada and DA Mitchell of Novi, Michigan. Virgil Morgan Jr. is the filly's trainer and has enlisted the services of Greg Grismore. Finefeelinfriskie makes her first lifetime start. She has posted three qualifying efforts, most recently winning at Scioto Downs in 1:56.4. Finefeelinfriskie will start from post three. Also competing in the first division will be Naughty Osborne, Friskie Lil Devil, Happy Jude, Feelin Outragous, Zebra Stripes and Hailstorm Grace.
Race 2 will be the $40,000 first division for two-year old filly Ohio-bred trotters. Trainer Dan Ater will start Honey B (Victory Sam-Honey Mesquite-Angus Hall) as the 3-1 slight morning-line favorite. Honey B starts from post two and faces seven rivals. Honey B shows two qualifying lines, most recently finishing second in 2:03.3 at Scioto Downs. Kyle Ater is scheduled to drive for owners Jim Burnett of Wilmington, Ohio and Tim Homan of Maineville, Ohio. Song Of The Valley, Iron Lucy, Student Of Life, I'd Rather Walk, Hello Chipper, Star Of Thine and Sammy Star complete the line-up.
Pacers return to the stage in Race 3 for the $40,000 second division Ohio Sire Stakes. Karlee Sue (Feelin Friskie-Magical Jeanie-Magical Mike) is the 2-1 morning-line favorite for owners Dennis Stolz of Midland, Michigan, Daniel Mitchell of Novi, Michigan and co-owner/trainer Allen Tomlinson of Mason, Michigan. Karlee Sue has one start to her credit, a 3rd place finish in a $11,160 race at Mohawk. Driver Chris Page will start the pacer from post-six in a field that consists of Suite Feelin, Playa Del Sol, Zoey's Lemon Tart, Blinded, Fellin Flirty and Corner Girl.
Trotters again compete in Race 5 for the $40,000 second division of the Ohio Sires Stakes. Sunrise Nibbles (Iron Duke-Sweethomeourbama-Kadabra) starts from the rail and is the 2-1 morning-line favorite. She is owned by C Beaver of Delaware, Ohio, Synerco Vent of Ontario, Canada, S Zeehandler of Worthington, Ohio and D Lang of Hird, Ohio. Trainer, Christopher Beaver, has called upon Chris Page to drive. This filly has two qualifying efforts, winning both, the fastest in 2:02.1 at Scioto Downs. Sunrise Nibbles starts from the rail and has a host of rivals consisting of Influential Girl, Dolly Dunn, Defiant Victory, Talissa, Bettys Sam, Soaring Flight and Sammie's Delight.
Race 11 will host the $40,000 third division for two year-old filly pacers. Medoland Kendolin (Feelin Friskie-Wanida Jean-Mattcando) is the 3-1 morning-line favorite for owners TF Hoovler of Pataskala, Ohio, RV Hutchinson of North Ridgeville, Ohio and Dr. R Van Hutchison of Avon Lake, Ohio. Mike Medors trains the filly and uses Aaron Merriman to drive. This freshman has two qualifying lines, most recently finishing second and pacing in 1:59.3 at Scioto Downs. Medoland Kendolin starts from post three in a field consisting of The Light, Indian Rockette, Friskie Til Dawn, Tolatetoapologize, Colossal Chaos, Forever Golden and Bevnlindas Blossom.
Race 12, the final freshman stakes on the night, is the $40,000 third division for trotters. I'm Chiptastic (Chip Chip Hooray-Pleasure Skate-Super Pleasure) is the 3-1 morning-line favorite for owners Mel Rose Stable of Hopewell, Ohio and David Pierce of Houston, Texas. John Ryan Melsheimer is the filly's trainer and driver. I'm Chiptastic makes her first lifetime start. She has posted two qualifying efforts, most recently being timed in 2:02.3 at The Meadows. I'm Chiptastic will start from post five. Also competing in the third division will be Miss Fanci Cash, Hot Chip, If I Could Count, Chip Chip Skater, Little Casino, Dark Roast and Lisa Jane.
Northfield's Lady Luck's Clubhouse restaurant will be open featuring a picnic style buffet for just $12.95. Reservations are preferred and are placed by calling 330/467-4101.
Harness Racing Bingo is back by popular demand as part of the "Back to the Track" festivities. Bingo is FREE to participate in and offers prizes worth over $1,500.
Guests in attendance will receive a FREE 2014 Northfield Park Drivers Poster. A driver autograph station and meet and greet will be open from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Fans can catch t-shirts that will be tossed into the crowd by the winning driver of each race.
"Back to the Track" also features FREE television carrels. Dollar programs, hot dogs and soft drinks will be offered as well as $3.00 beer specials.
With exciting racing action and a host of great activities, everyone has a reason to come "Back to the Track." Thursday night has a regular 1st race post time of 6:00 p.m.
by Ayers Ratliff, for Northfield Park

ANDERSON, Ind.-June 20, 2014 - Igottafeelinfran returned to her winning ways and captured the featured event, a $22,000 Fillies and Mares Invitational pace, at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Friday, June 20. After a fifth place finish at this level last week, Igottafeelinfran staged a big rally in the late stages of the mile to take nearly two seconds off her lifetime best and score in 1:51.3.
Guided by Brad Hanners, Igottafeelinfran left just enough to secure an early position along the rail in second while American Girl and Tyler Smith fired to the front through an opening panel in :26.2. American Girl's lead was short lived as she yielded the front to a determined Bombilla Hanover and Peter Wrenn at the half mile mark in :54. Hanners made his winning move as he sent Igottafeelinfran to the front around the three-quarter clocking in 1:22.4.
Bombilla Hanover began to tire on the front and as the field approached the final turn Igottafeelinfran had reached the leader's wheel. As the rest of the field was closing in, Igottafeelinfran was pulling away. Using a :28.4 final, Igottafeelinfran was able to hold off a hard charging Love This Place and Trace Tetrick to win by a head. Ritascape used her customary late surge to round out the trifecta. As the publics' second choice, Igottafeelinfran returned $8.00 to her backers at the window.
The win was the second of the season from 11 previous starts for the multiple-stakes winning mare. Owned by Jerry Zosel, Kathy Ratcliff, and Kimberly Dailey, Igottafeelinfran has now won 12 of 36 starts while amassing $296,121 lifetime. Trained by Jim Dailey, the daughter of Feelin Friskie-Fran Anna was an Ohio Sire Stakes champion for the three-year-old pacing fillies division last year.
It was a driving double on the night for driver Brad Hanners as he also scored later in the evening with Endeavors Dot Com for trainer Walter Haynes Jr.
Live harness racing will return to Hoosier Park Racing & Casino on Saturday, June 21 with a 14-race card that is set to begin at 5:15 p.m. Highlighting the evening will be a $22,000 Invitational pace and a $22,000 Invitational trot. For more information on the live racing season and the upcoming events at Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, please visit www.hoosierpark.com.
by Emily Gaskin, for Hoosier Park

Miss Panthers and Ronnie Wrenn Jr.wired the field in the $20,000 Filly and Mare Open Trot Friday at Scioto Downs.
Miss Panthers is a four-year-old mare by Classic Photo. She's trained by leading Scioto Downs trainer, Virgil Morgan Jr.and owned by Majs NY Inc, Gerrie Tucker and Ciro Gentile. Miss Panthers was the second choice at 9/2. She started from post five in the field of six.
Wrenn pushed the gate away with Miss Panthers and crossed over before tripping the quarter timer in 28.1 and she had things her way the rest of the way. Miss Panthers crossed the wire in 1.55 and held off the pocket sitter, Easy Strength and Victory Is Coming completed the trifecta.
The Open Trot for horses and geldings came up in race 7. A field of eight went to post for the $20,000 purse. Kirty Dream started from post eight and didn't have the easiest of trips.The 7-year-old gelding by Cantab Hall was driven by Josh Sutton for trainer, Jeff Hochstetler scored at 10-1 in 1.54.2 after being parked the entire mile.
J J Hall was second and Quick N' Slick was third, both trained by Scott Mogan.The exacta paid $218.00 and the trifecta returned $600.80.
The Open Pacing mares also highlighted the Friday night card. A full field of nine went postward in race 8 for a $20,000 purse. The ladies definitely put on a show from start to finish.
A Sham Of Amber trained and driven by Kayne Kauffman left from post five for good early position. The mares hit the quarter in a quick 26.3. A Sham Of Amber made the move to go to the front and set the pace from there.
Holiday Shopper endured a tough first over trip. Driven by Jason Brewer for trainer Jeff Brewer and owned Dr. Robert Van Hutchison And Dr Randall Van Hutchison. Holiday Shopper got up in the final strides to beat A Sham Of Amber by a head in 1.52 and Betterluvnexttime was a late closing third.
These three ladies returned a profitable trifecta payoff of $1,806.60.
Racing continues in Saturday night(June 7). The 14 race card will feature Ohio Sire Stakes for 3-year old fillies and the $200,000.00 Charlie Hill Memorial Trot.
From Scioto Downs Racino

COLUMBUS, OH --- The good news for Ohio racing fans is that Rompaway Galaxy is starting off 2014 just like he finished last season. But that's bad news for the connections of other 3-year-old male trotters in the Buckeye State.
He promises to be a heavy favorite in his Ohio Sires Stakes at Scioto this afternoon. Each of the four OSS events go for a $40,000 purse.
Last year Rompaway Galaxy dominated the Ohio Sire Stakes, winning all four legs and the final. His only loss of the season came in an Ohio Breeders Stake at Scioto when he got trapped behind a tiring leader and was beaten by a head by Soul Train.
Otherwise he was perfect in his eight starts and he wrapped up his season by winning the $150,000 Ohio Sires Stakes final with a 1:57.4 mile, his personal best.
An indication of how impressive Rompaway Galaxy has been is that he's been made the odds-on favorite every time after his first career start.
This year Rompaway Galaxy signaled his readiness with an impressive win in the $40,000 Ohio Sires Stakes opening leg at Miami Valley Racing. In that event, he was parked from post nine for a long way before clearing to the front and making a mockery of his pursuers with his 1:58 win. His margin was 6-1/2 lengths.
Rompaway Galaxy heads the 11th race on the 15-race holiday card at Scioto. He starts from post two with rival Soul Train in post 10 in the second tier.
Rompaway Galaxy is owned by Rompaway Farms of Michigan and is trained by Krista Harmon. Mike Micallef handles the reins. He is a son of Rompaway Wally.
Harmon said that gelding the youngster as a 2-year-old helped him focus on his business. That decision and his abundant natural made him into a champion. Micallef noted that the trotter is bigger this season and yet still has the speed and ability that gave him dominance over his rivals last season.
The other division for Ohio-sired trotting sophomore males is headed by Can'tcutthatchip, a winner three times in five starts this season with a best time of 1:57.4. He is a slight favorite over nine rivals.
There are two pacing splits for Ohio-sired sophomore pacers. Friskie Adam is seeking to make it five straight wins this season for trainer Dan Ater and his son Kyle, who will handle the driving chores. He's already won in 1:53.2f this year and his rivals will be hard-pressed to match strides with the son of Feelin Friskie.
The other pacing division features Big Bossman, a winner in 1:55.3f this season in a trio of starts. Greg Grismore drives for trainer Doug Hinklin.
Post time at Scioto for the Memorial Day program is 1 p.m.The other Ohio Sires Stakes for soph trotting males features a well-balanced field of 10 with Can'tcutthatchip the narrow favorite in the morning line on the basis of three wins in five starts this season, the fastest in 1:57.4.
Friskie Adam, unbeaten in four starts in 2014, is a heavy favorite to defeat six challengers in his Ohio Sires Stakes pacing event. Kyle Ater will be steering him for his father, trainer Dan Ater. The son of Feelin Friskie sports a 1:53.2f mark this season.
Big Bossman gets the favorite's role in the other pacing split as Greg Grismore will drive him for trainer Doug Hinklin. He's a 1:55.3f winner this year in three starts, but will have nine others trying to beat him to the wire.The other Ohio Sires Stakes for soph trotting males features a well-balanced field of 10 with Can'tcutthatchip the narrow favorite in the morning line on the basis of three wins in five starts this season, the fastest in 1:57.4.
Friskie Adam, unbeaten in four starts in 2014, is a heavy favorite to defeat six challengers in his Ohio Sires Stakes pacing event. Kyle Ater will be steering him for his father, trainer Dan Ater. The son of Feelin Friskie sports a 1:53.2f mark this season.
Big Bossman gets the favorite's role in the other pacing split as Greg Grismore will drive him for trainer Doug Hinklin. He's a 1:55.3f winner this year in three starts, but will have nine others trying to beat him to the wire.
The other Ohio Sires Stakes for soph trotting males features a well-balanced field of 10 with Can'tcutthatchip the narrow favorite in the morning line on the basis of three wins in five starts this season, the fastest in 1:57.4.
Friskie Adam, unbeaten in four starts in 2014, is a heavy favorite to defeat six challengers in his Ohio Sires Stakes pacing event. Kyle Ater will be steering him for his father, trainer Dan Ater. The son of Feelin Friskie sports a 1:53.2f mark this season.
Big Bossman gets the favorite's role in the other pacing split as Greg Grismore will drive him for trainer Doug Hinklin. He's a 1:55.3f winner this year in three starts, but will have nine others trying to beat him to the wire.
Dean A. Hoffman, for the Ohio State Racing Commission

Carol's Comet gets a new lifetime best of 1.49.4 in the Saturday Night feature at Scioto Downs Racino.
The track was lighting fast on the 5/8 oval on Saturday and with the perfect weather the combination was a perfect setting for great racing.
The five-year old gelding by Yankee Cruiser is trained by Ron Potter and owned by Whiskey Tango Stb, Marin Presser, Bill Moore and Matthew Moore.
Carol's Comet driven by Aaron Merriman received a perfect pocket trip off hot fractions of 26, 54 and 1.21.Merriman waited patiently for the super stretch after following co-second choice, Rockin Wizard. His patience definitely paid dividends when Carol's Comet cruised to a one length victory.Rockin Wizard, trained by Virgil Morgan Jr.was second and Royal Outlook closed late for the third spot.
Racing continues Monday, Memorial Day with a special post time of 1:00.The 15 race holiday card will feature Ohio Sire Stakes action for the 3-year pacing and trotting colts. They will slug it out for a share of the $40,000 purse.
Scioto will also have a Driver meet and greet prior to first race post time.We will also have our unique National Anthem presentation. This will feature the costumed, Starry Night Star and dressed reins man. It's an exciting presentation of the versatility in our Standardbred Breed.
From Scioto Downs Racino

Scioto Downs will race Friday, May (23) and Saturday, May (24) with post time at 6:30 p.m. Scioto will also have a special Memorial Day program on Monday, May (26), post time at 1:00 p.m.
On Friday night the 13-race card will feature a $20,000 Fillies and Mares Open and a $20,000 Open Trot. The Open Trot is the 5th race on the card, with a field of eight going to post. The Open Trot winner from two weeks ago, Five Towns returns for trainer Kelly Goodwin and driver Ronnie Wrenn Jr.
Scioto based trainer, Hugh "Sandy" Beatty will have two entries in the Friday night feature with, Southwind Pepino and Final Breath. JJ Hall from the Scott Mogan stable is no stranger to these ranks either and he will start from post five. Completing the field will be Cantab Lindy, Go Tapaigh, Baby Blaze and Vibe Blue Chip.
The next feature will be race 7 when the full field of 10 fillies and mares go post ward for a bounty of $20,000. The morning line favorite is Betterluvnexttime from the Virgil Morgan Jr.stable. She took the Open II pace last week in 1:53.3. She will start from post 8 with driver, Ronnie Wrenn Jr.
Trainer, Jim Dailey has both, Igottafeelinfran and Native Dream in Friday Night's co-feature.
Igottafeelinfran will start from post 9 with driver, Dan Noble and Native Dream will start from post 5 with Josh Sutton at the controls.
Completing the field is A Sham Of Amber, Y Mach Me, South Side Camie, Sonic Breeze, Riverdancer, Mama Said and Up Front Kellie Jo.
Saturday, May (24) a 12-race card is on tap. The live race card will feature a $20,000 Open for Horses and Geldings. The outstanding group of 8 pacers all have marks of 1:52.1 or faster. Virgil Morgan Jr.will send Rockin Wizard from post 5 with driver, Ronnie Wrenn Jr. Rockin Wizard has already taken a mark this year in 1:49.0. Completing the well accomplished group are Royal Outlook, Carmens Best, Carol's Comet, Roadside Delight, Ardyne Ace, Beach Memories and Windsong Jack.
On Monday, May (26) Memorial Day. Scioto has a special holiday post time of 1:00 p.m. This card will include Ohio Sire Stakes action. The best 3-year old trotters and pacers and will go behind the gate for a purse of $40,000 in their respective divisions.
The Memorial Day Card will feature an American Flag demonstration that you don't want to miss.
Starry Night Star, 13-year old gelding by Van Gogh will be wearing an American Flag costume and driven around the track by his dressed reins man.
Make plans to attend and get in on the action!
From Scioto Downs Racino

In The Grippers started her 2014 harness racing season just as she finished her 2013 season by dominating her Ohio Sires Stakes rivals.
Friday at Miami Valley driver Chris Page sent the big trotting filly to the front at the start of her $40,000 OSS split and she led at every post. The 2-5 favorite won by 5-1/4 lengths in 1:58.4 over Anniesbluejeanbaby and Mclean.
Herres Stable LCC owns the daughter of Steven One, who is trained by Virgil Morgan. It was her first start of the year after several qualifiers.
Two races later, Page and Morgan scored another victory in a $40,000 OSS split when Fayco Filly sat behind God Only Knows for much of the mile and then zoomed past the pacesetter to score a Â¾-length win in 1:56.
APP Panda got the runner-up money while Lady Julie finished third. God Only knows faded to finish fourth. Fayco Filly scored her first win of the season in a trio of tries.
The winning pacing filly paid $7.40 to win and is owned by Marital Property LLC.
Crown Time Keeper kept her 2014 slate perfect with her third win in as many tries. The odds-on filly overtook the early leader Friskie's Angel to post a two length win in 1:56.2 for driver Chris Page and trainer Steve Carter.
The OSS winner was bred and is owned by Esther Crownover, a longtime patron of harness racing in Ohio.
Crown Time Keeper had previously won the elimination and final of the James K. Hackett Memorial Pace at Miami Valley.
Turbochargedroxie stepped to the front of the pack in her trotting split for driver Dan Noble and they went on to score an easy 3-1/4 length win over Sandys Victory and Emery Jean. Danny Collins trains the Cayenne Turbo trotting filly for Joyce McClelland, DM Stables LLC, Dean Davis, and William Rufenacht.
As the heavy favorite, Turbochargedroxie paid $2.20 and tripped the timer in 1:59.3. She's now got a first and second in second races this year.
Dean A. Hoffman for the Ohio State Racing Commission

Scioto is ready to kick off another exciting summer of power packed racing and generous purses.
The action starts on Thursday May 8th, be sure to join us as we celebrate our freedom and honor America with the flying of an American Flag that was flown over the skies of Afghanistan and is provided to us by The United States Air Force.
Live racing will continue Tuesday through Saturday until August and Wednesday through Saturday until closing night, September 27th. We will also have a few holiday cards with an early post time of 1:00. Be sure to check out the racing calendar for complete details.
Stakes filled action is back this summer in full force starting on May 17th, Preakness day, when the live racing card will feature the Laverne Hill Memorial Pace for aged pacing mares with a purse of $50,000. On a special Memorial Day race card with a post time of 1:00 p.m., sophomore colts will take center stage in the 2nd leg of The Ohio Sire Stakes. The sophomore fillies get their chance on Saturday June 7th, Belmont Day and share the spotlight with The Charlie Hill Memorial Trot, which will feature the best aged trotters dashing for a purse of $200,000.00.
Another day not to miss is Saturday, July 12th when we go “Back To The Track.” This promotion is a great time to introduce new fans to the wonderful world of harness racing and take advantage of some great giveaways and special offers. Be sure to check out our Facebook page for these great offers and complete details.
In August, the excitement continues with The Ohio State Fair and Ohio Breeders Stakes for 2 and 3 year old Ohio breds.
To cap off our electrifying season on September 27th, Scioto Downs will host Ohio Super Night. The best of the best 2 and 3 year olds in their respective gaits will battle it out for a share of $200,000.00, for one to be named a “Champion.” Super Night will also feature the Jim Ewart Memorial Invitational Pace for a bounty of $200,000 estimated. While the purses on this night are totaling a minimum $1.8 million, it’s guaranteed to be a thrilling, edge of the seat evening and a night you will not want to miss.
From the Scioto Downs Publicity Office

Northfield Park has announced the dates of three Spring Late Closing series.
"These Spring late closers are a good addition to our current racing program because they will feature a lot of younger horses just coming back to the races this season," said Dave Bianconi, Executive Vice President of Racing and Simulcasting. "They are just part of the overall increased racing opportunities offered here at Northfield. In addition, the dates of these series were written to avoid conflicts with the Ohio Sire Stakes legs for three-year-olds." All of the newly added Late Closers carry a condition of: Non-winners of Two Pari-Mutuel Races (Ohio Breads N/W Three) or Non-Winners of $15,000 Lifetime (As of 4/1/2014).
Thursdays (April 24, May 5, May 15 and May 22) will host The Wallflower Series for filly and mare pacers. Each of the four legs will carry purses of $5,000. The $15,000 final (all purses guaranteed) will go to post on Thursday (May 29).
Thursday (April 24) and Tuesdays (May 6, May 13 and May 20) will offer The Spring Break Series for horse and gelding pacers. Each leg will be raced for a $5,000 purse. The final will be Tuesday (June 3) for a purse of $15,000.
Thursday (April 24) and Wednesdays (May 14, May 21) and Monday (June 6) highlight The Gin Blossom Series for trotters. Each of these legs will also carry a $5,000 purse. The $15,000 final will be Monday (June 16).
A one-time $300 payment will be required of each entrant to be eligible. Payments are due by April 18.
Conditions for the series can be found at www.northfieldpark.com. The link is near the bottom of Northfield's homepage.
by Ayers Ratliff, for Northfield Park

The hottest horse in all of North American harness racing is the undefeated three-year-old National Debt - and his sire, Allamerican Native, is standing his first season in Ohio at Hagemeyer Farms, in the southwest quadrant of the Buckeye State.
Allamerican Native, after starting his stud career in Pennsylvania and then standing the last three years in Ontario, was brought to the well-known Hagemeyer Farms as the racing fortunes are improving in Ohio and the four-generation family-owned operation looked to expand their "footprint" in the state. Having the sire of such an exciting prospect standing at your farm for $2500 is as about a good first step for the Hagemeyer expansion as can be imagined. (To see and learn more about all five of the Hagemeyer stallions - the "Native," World Of Rocknroll, Canyon Wind, Home Stretch, and Rompaway Wally -- go to the farm website at, logically, www.hagemeyerfarms.com.)
People looking to breed their mares to Hagemeyer stallions, especially if leaving the mares in care of the farm for gestation and foaling, "will get a personalized degree of service that we think is our strongest selling point," notes Scott Hagemeyer, the farm manager. (Scott, by the way, is part of the "third generation of Hagemeyers": his grandparents Maynard and Stella are living legends in that part of the world; father Mel started selling programs at Lebanon Raceway in 1968, and, 45 years later, retired as the track's general manager as Lebanon now gives way to two new tracks in the area; and daughter Lyndsay is a key worker around the farm.)
"If someone calls out of the blue and says, 'What can you offer to my horse?', I answer them honestly and say, 'I'm not sure; I'll have to learn more about your horse'," Scott Hagemeyer states. "Every horse is treated as an individual first; we figure out exactly just what care brings out the most potential in them. Most of our stock during breeding season is broodmares, mostly bred to our farm stallions, and with that combination we have a conception rate of 90% to 95%."
Scott expects some 150 mares to be bred to his farm's stallions (well, that estimate was before National Debt's victory on Saturday), and last year the peak equine population was 188. That's a far cry from a few years ago, one of the lower points in Ohio racing, where the farm had about 90 horses at most, including an influx of horses from other breeds, and the farm's two stallions serviced a total of 12 mares.
"All thanks to the reconfiguring and revitalizing of Ohio racing," Hagemeyer notes, perhaps playing down a little the excellent care provided by the farm and him personally - "I treat all of our horses as if I owned them myself." Offspring of mares bred to farm stallions are of course eligible to be in the much-enrichened Ohio Sire Stakes, and if the in-process breeders awards program requires mare residency, Hagemeyer Farms is again in good position.
While for the most part a breeding operation, there is a half-mile training track on the farm, and the population does include a few racehorses. "We've had some inquiries from some horsemen who both breed and race, since currently there is a bit of a shortage of stalls with the new tracks. That's a situation we'll have to be looking at."
Besides his own illustrious family, there is another name indelibly linked to southwest Ohio and harness racing, and Scott noted that "I think Corwin Nixon would be ecstatic beyond words at the new situation here - Lebanon going over to the Miami Valley people, and the entire resurgence of the sport."
Inquiries to Scott Hagemeyer can be directed through the farm website, or to 513 304 9263 - but be prepared for a possible busy signal if phoning, because National Debt may be making Allamerican Native's spring a little busier - and thus happier, of course.
By Jerry Connors, for Harnesslink.com

An unexpected plus from the revitalization of harness racing in the state of Ohio: sharp Buckeye-based trainers, realizing that there is now money to be made, start advertising, looking for new owners – thereby giving the coffers of the trade press a little extra jingle!
Dee Hotton, who is based at the Wooster OH fairgrounds, recently advertised that she is looking for new owners for whom to train their horses for campaigning in the state – but she has always been a bit “ahead of the curve,” though. (How many trainers do you know who have had their own website for years, and who use the word “behooves” – and before noon, no less?)
Hotton was born on Long Island (or “Lon Gisland,” as the natives pronounce it) to a father who was a rabid fan of the trotters and pacers at Roosevelt and Yonkers. When her father was transferred by his business to Ohio when Dee was two, the family went along, and in the newly-adopted state the father undoubtedly found plenty of choices to scratch his harness racing itch – while his daughter “had decided by junior high that she was going to work with horses for her livelihood.”
Graduating early from high school and from the Wooster branch campus of Ohio State University’s program for learning all ends of standardbred care, Hotton went into the care of the sulky set at a young age. Dee was a harness “natural” across the board, too, driving in matinees at 15 and fair purse races at 16, and she carries a lifetime .292 UDR despite fewer than 500 career trips behind the gate! And August 9 of this year will mark the TENTH ANNIVERSARY of Dee last losing a purse race while in the sulky – OK, be a spoilsport and point out that she’s only driven once since 8-9-04.
“And I wasn’t even supposed to drive that one,” Hotton recalled with a chuckle. “Don McKirgan had been driving my horse for me, but he decided he had a chance to make more money with the horses he was listed on at another fair, and mine didn’t look like much, so I decided I’d just drive him myself.” 6-1 in a 3-horse field, Hotton sent her charge right to the top and held on by ¾ of a length in her first drive in eight years. (Note: Any good story about Ohio fair racing is 50-50 to have McKirgan somewhere in it.)
Despite this sulky success, Hotton is now devoting herself strictly to the training side, though she says, “I’m glad I did do some driving, because now I know exactly the sort of things to tell my drivers, and I might also have a little more credibility to them, having been a driver myself.”
There is no doubting Hotton’s credibility on the training side, with a career UTR of .322 (she’s been over .300 in 14 of the last 17 years), and many talented horses benefitting from her tutelage. One star, however, might have taught Hotton, now the master conditioner, more about training than anyone else.
Magnificent Mel, a 1976 son of Little Brown Jug winner Melvin’s Woe, raced when he was two, and was still on the track when he was 14, accumulating 81 wins and over $200,000 in earnings. If you know of Melvin’s Woe, you know how hard the Joe O’Brien stable had to work to keep the big-hearted racehorse something close to racehorse sound, and he passed on this last-named trait – plus his speed and huge heart -- to his son. “With Magnificent Mel, we had to do a little of almost everything over the course of his career – I worked him back from bowed tendons, had him stand in ice boots, used all kinds of therapy, and even used interval training back what it was an innovation,” Hotton remembers. “Working with that horse was the best education I could have, and he was a great horse – he went a 2:00 mile at Northfield in 1988, when he was 12, the first time a horse that old had broken 2:00 there.”
Focusing on the Ohio Sire Stakes program in recent years, Hotton’s best horses have been a duo who were nice horses that unfortunately raced in a two-year period where there was a dominant OhSS performer in their class: “Glory Bound always had to go up against Dunkster, and Buckeye Man was in the same year as Sing Jesse Sing.” Seeing as Dunkster and Sing Jesse Sing won about $1.400,000 between them, Hotton did some good schoolin’ to have horses who were second to the others’ caliber.
“I’m looking for owners who want to race in Ohio, because I think with the slots money it’s a very good time to maximize the possible upside of horse ownership,” Dee continue. “I’ve been partners with owners on horses, and if I had a new owner who would have a little more confidence if the trainer owned a part of the horse, I’d certainly consider that option depending on the situation.
“I’ve raced overnight horses, but right now I’m focusing on stakes horses, two- and three-year-olds, with the improvement in money that is coming to the Ohio Sire Stakes,” she added, and indeed Hotton was contacted for this piece in her winter training headquarters of Pinehurst NC, preparing, she hopes, some of 2014’s Ohio stakes stars. If Dee Hotton’s abilities and focus sound right for you and your horses, visit her website at www.deehottonstable.com.
by Jerry Connors for Harnesslink.com